The Irony Behind Black Friday

This weekend, Friday specifically, my mom and I went to Old Orchard to pick up a book at Barnes and Noble. As we drove around the parking lot trying to find a space, we noticed just how crowded the mall was. We than realized it was Black Friday, the annual tradition of going shopping the day after Thanksgiving. I have never participated in this event, but I always question the meaning behind it.

To begin with, I find it quite ironic that the day right after Thanksgiving, the day we give thanks for what we have, we go out and shop for ourselves. Also, according to this article from the New York Times it explains how one woman would spray pepper spray at anyone who tried to take an X-box that she wanted. This violent behavior seems to contradict the lessons we emphasize during Thanksgiving, peace and sharing. To add, two people in a Wal-Mart parking lot were shot fighting over store products.  With this uncomfortable violence it always puzzles me on how such distinctly different days come right after one another.

Now, one could argue, that Black Friday can be seen as a tradition that is keen in giving. Since goods are priced so low, people can go out and buy presents for others that normally wouldn’t. However, considering how violent Black Friday can get, it is hard to see the kindness associated with the tradition. Overall, I just find it so strange on how plainly different these two days are. What other differences, or even similarities, between Thanksgiving and Black Friday can you point out?